Posts Tagged ‘Librarians’

Hearne read stories of graduates who would, after a fire, start a new library in a gym; who walked through 8- to 10-foot snow drifts to get to the library; and who brought books to World War I soldiers recuperating in hospitals.

“The librarian was a kind of apostle for culture. They were missionaries for literacy, knowledge and culture,” Hearne said.

This seems to be a week for looking back. The quote above comes from a very nice story in theChicago Tribune today about librarians at the turn of the century.

UPDATE

Larry T. Nix, whose blog and history website I linked to a couple of posts back, has a delightful post up today about Mabel Wilkinson who was a Wyoming librarian in the first decade of the 20th century:

Wilkinson gave a presentation at the American Library Association conference in 1916 in Asbury Park, New Jersey entitled “Establishing Libraries Under Difficulties”. Wilkinson’s presentation concerned a trip on horseback to organize library service that she made in Platte County, Wyoming.

Nix links to the entire presentation she made, which is available on Google Books. Do take a look!

I have heard Gov. Palin’s style referred to in the press as the “sexy librarian” look but dismissed it, as I do most such remarks. However, I discovered today, thanks to the Carleton Place Public Library blog, Tales from an Open Book, that an Italian design label, Marni has been inspired by us. The Wall Street Journalhad this to say:

The Italian label offered its take on sexy librarians this season, much as Prada did last season. While Prada stuck with more classic lace patterns on its skirts and tops — albeit over flesh-colored linings — Marni reinterpreted lace in its own modern way. Large polka dot cut-outs gave the look a 1960s pop feel, and there was no lining underneath at all. While Prada’s show was kinky and voyeuristic, Marni’s was flirtier.

It would be hard to over emphasize how much I hate these “fashions”. In fact, I feel inspired to let my hair grow long, so that I can put it in a bun.

Would you let this woman read to your children?

Is it just me or is that not a modernized version of prison garb? Clearly, I have no fashion sense; however, those who do can see many more pieces of the Marni collection in New York Magazine if they wish.

I will never understand the world of fashion. Never. Can someone please find me a hair net?

Then there are an amazing number of librarians to be found at YouTube, for instance: Super Librarian

And then there is: Librarian Lays Down the Law:

Searching on the title ” I am a librarian” will bring up quite a few videos– and, judging by the ones I looked at, most are just plain weird.

Also in the weird category are a series of short films called Erik the Librarian Mysteries. Erik is our favorite stereotype- the reclusive, nerdy reference librarian, who, in this case, appears to be listing towards insanity. The series is supposed to be funny but … judge for yourself. The episodes are short!